Wooden Games

Wood is durable, tactile and genuinely pleasant to handle, which keeps children engaged longer than cheap plastic alternatives. Wooden games also age well: the pieces develop character rather than cracking or fading. For families who want something that survives years of play and still looks good on a shelf, wood is the straightforward choice.

It depends entirely on the game. Simple wooden stacking and sorting games suit children from around 18 months, while strategy games such as Chess or Backgammon are well matched to ages 6 and up. Always check the recommended age on each product, particularly for games with small pieces that could be a hazard for very young children.

Jaques of London works with responsibly sourced materials, and the longevity of the products is itself a sustainability argument: a game that lasts 30 years does not end up in landfill after one season. If you have specific questions about materials for a particular product, the Jaques team is happy to help directly.

Keep wooden games away from prolonged moisture and direct heat, both of which can cause warping. Wipe pieces with a slightly damp cloth if needed, then dry immediately. Storing games in their original boxes protects pieces from knocks and dust. A little basic care is genuinely all most wooden games need to remain in excellent condition for decades.

Think about three things: the recipient's age, whether they prefer solo or group play, and how much complexity they enjoy. A family that enjoys evenings together will get more from a Ludo or Draughts set than a single-player puzzle. When in doubt, classic two-player strategy games such as Chess tend to be the most consistently appreciated gifts across age groups.

Many Jaques wooden games are presented in traditional wooden boxes or quality packaging that requires no extra wrapping to look special. They make credible, substantial gifts that feel considered rather than last-minute. If you want to add a personal touch, Jaques offers personalisation on selected products, which turns a lovely game into a genuinely memorable keepsake.

Chess, Draughts, Backgammon, Ludo and Nine Men's Morris have all been played for centuries and remain as enjoyable now as ever. Jaques has been producing versions of these games since the 1800s. They are classics precisely because the gameplay rewards skill and attention rather than novelty, meaning children and adults return to them again and again across many years.